What Is BNS Section 175?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 175: False Statement in Connection with an Election

Whoever, with intent to affect the result of an election, makes or publishes any statement purporting to be a statement of fact which is false and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, in relation to the personal character or conduct of any candidate shall be punished with fine.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 175 deals with the offence of making or publishing false statements to influence the outcome of an election. The statement must be false and related to the personal character or conduct of a candidate, and the offender shall be punished with a fine.

Question & Answers

Q1: What constitutes the offence under BNS Section 175?

A1: The offence under BNS Section 175 is committed when someone makes or publishes a false statement about a candidate’s personal character or conduct with the intent to affect the election's result.

Q2: What is the punishment for making false statements in connection with an election under BNS Section 175?

A2: The punishment for making false statements in connection with an election under BNS Section 175 is a fine.

Example

Example Scenario:

If an individual falsely claims that a candidate has a criminal record to sway voters, this act falls under BNS Section 175. The individual would be punished with a fine for making such a false statement with the intent to affect the election results.

Summary

BNS Section 175 stipulates that making or publishing false statements about a candidate’s personal character or conduct, with the intent to influence an election, is punishable by a fine.